With over 100 architectural edifices that reflect traditional Swiss lifestyles, the Open Air Museum Ballenberg offers an authentic portrayal of the national past. Farm buildings, family houses, as well as various types of barns, huts and stalls that were once actively used by rural communities have been taken apart piece by piece and then reassembled at Ballenberg to preserve the unique architectures of these edifices.

Today an impressive gem of social history, Ballenberg provides a memorable experience for those wishing to explore the rural areas of Switzerland and learn more about the country's heritage. During European Heritage Days, the museum will celebrate the richness and diversity of Swiss traditions with a set of thematic tours dedicated to exploring the relationship of power and cultural heritage.

Following this year's national theme  Heritage and Power, the tours will highlight historic backgrounds of different architectural styles and discuss links between desire for social status and manners of building. Reflected in various details such as positioning of certain architectural elements or use of specific materials, these links can be found all across Bellnberg. The European Heritage Days tour will aim to uncover many of details related to the theme and help bring this interesting aspect of cultural heritage into spotlight for the 2017.

The guided tours are scheduled for Saturday, 9th and Sunday, 10th September, 2017 at 2 p.m., when everyone is welcomed to join European Heritage Days celebrations on this exciting adventure. Visiting Ballneberg is a time travel experience that brings the Swiss past back to life and enables visitors to be a part of the national history. This is also an opportunity to enjoy lively and authentic settings, while gaining new knowledge on the cultural heritage of Switzerland.

More information about the upcoming events during 2017 European Heritage Days in Switzerland available on the official website of the National Information Centre for Culture and Heritage.